THERE'S TEMPTATION to dump the Leafs' season series against the Ottawa Senators (4-1-1) in the trash now that playoffs are here. But some Leafs would prefer it be set aside for the blue recycling bin.

"You don't throw it away, because you try and build on certain things," coach Pat Quinn said yesterday. "Quite frankly, the record's a good one and we feel fortuinate to have it. We had one realy poor outing (a 7-1 loss).

"For the most part, both teams are very, very close in the statistical end if you keep track of chances. While the scores were kind of funny in some of the games (such as 2-1, 7-1, 6-0), the chances created by both teams were darn close."

Brian Leetch has witnessed some wild regular season/ playoff fluctuations with the New York Rangers over the years, such as their ability to dominate the playoff-bound Islanders all this year despite missing the boat themselves.

"Beating a team a few times over six months is a lot different than having to beat them four times in two weeks," the new Leaf said. "It's the same for (Ottawa), a different ball game."

DOG EAT DOG: The Leafs are trying to dodge those pundits who are trying to make them early series favourites.

"A lot of people picked Ottawa to win the Cup at the start, so in a way, we're the underdogs," winger Tom Fitzgerald said.

Wade Redden of the Sens countered that "Toronto finished with more points so they should be the favourites."

COOLER HEADS: Winger Gary Roberts doesn't think Game 1 will end the way Saturday's third period wrapped up, with both teams in danger of crossing the line of retribution.

"You won't see the retaliation," Roberts predicted. "Get your hit and get out, don't stick around after the scrums."